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Quitman County is situated in the northwestern part of Mississippi and it is an interesting place with a rich and diverse history. Here are 7 interesting facts about Quitman County in Mississippi history.
1. Named After a War Hero
Quitman County was named after General John A. Quitman, a military hero who fought in the Mexican-American War and was later a Governor of Mississippi. General Quitman played a significant role in shaping the history of Mississippi, and his legacy is honored by the name of this county.
2. The Birthplace of the Blues
The Blues is one of the most significant genres of music in American history, and Quitman County can claim itself as the birthplace of the Blues. The earliest forms of the Blues originated in the Mississippi Delta during the late 1800s. Many famous Blues musicians, such as Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, were born and raised in Quitman County.
3. Home to One of the Poorest Cities in the United States
Marks, a small town in Quitman County, is one of the poorest cities in the United States, with a poverty rate of over 50%. Despite this, the community is tight-knit and has a deep sense of pride in their town and their heritage.
4. A Strong Civil Rights History
Quitman County was a significant center of the Civil Rights Movement, and many of its community members played a critical role in fighting for racial equality in America. The town of Marks hosted the legendary 1966 James Meredith March Against Fear, which was a pivotal moment in the movement.
5. Home to an Award-Winning Author
Quitman County is also the birthplace of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Richard Ford. Ford was born in Jackson, Mississippi, but he grew up in the small town of Greenville in Quitman County. His bestselling novel, The Sportswriter, is set in and inspired by Quitman County.
6. Site of a Burial Mound
There is an ancient Indian burial mound located in Quitman County, and it is thought to have been constructed by the Hopewell people around 2000 years ago. The mound is part of a larger historic site called the Up 'R' Sing Mound and Village Site.
7. The Location of a Historic Battle
The town of Falcon, located in Quitman County, was the site of a Civil War battle in 1864. The Battle of Quitman occurred as part of General Nathan Bedford Forrest's campaign in northern Mississippi, and it resulted in a Confederate victory.
In conclusion, Quitman County has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries and has impacted many aspects of American culture and society. These 7 facts are just a small representation of the many interesting stories and events that help define this unique county in Mississippi.
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